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Understanding stakeholder values using cluster analysis

Abstract
The K-Means and Ward’s Clustering procedures were used to categorize value similarities among respondents of a public land management survey. The clustering procedures resulted in two respondent groupings: an anthropocentrically focused group and an ecocentrically focused group. While previous studies have suggested that anthropocentric and ecocentric groups are very different, this study revealed many similarities. Similarities between groups included a strong feeling towards public land and national forest existence as well as the importance of considering both current and future generations when making management decisions for public land. It is recommended that land managers take these similarities into account when making management decisions. It is important to note that using the Ward’s procedure for clustering produced more consistent groupings than the K-Means procedure and is therefore recommended when clustering survey data. K-Means only showed consistency with datasets of over 500 observations.
Type
Working Paper
Type of thesis
Series
Department of Economics Working Paper Series
Citation
Kaval, P. (2007). Understanding stakeholder values using cluster analysis. (Department of Economics Working Paper Series, Number 16/07). Hamilton, New Zealand: University of Waikato.
Date
2007-08
Publisher
Waikato Management School
Degree
Supervisors
Rights